This topic will be to discuss sourcing parts to build CALCnet2.2 hubs, in all of the various interesting configurations and permutations that I'm hoping people will create.

3/32 Stereo PlugRadioShack ID 274-244
This part is necessary to plug into a calculator, and possibly to a hub containing 3/32 stereo sockets, if you don't want to use or destroy a unit-to-unit I/O cables.
Pros: easy to find in your local Radioshack
Cons: expensive, plastic cover too large to use without trimming
http://octopart.com/274-244-radioshack-7530821

Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.

This topic will be to discuss sourcing parts to build CALCnet2.2 hubs, in all of the various interesting configurations and permutations that I'm hoping people will create.

3/32 Stereo PlugRadioShack ID 274-244
This part is necessary to plug into a calculator, and possibly to a hub containing 3/32 stereo sockets, if you don't want to use or destroy a unit-to-unit I/O cables.
Pros: easy to find in your local Radioshack
Cons: expensive, plastic cover too large to use without trimming
http://octopart.com/274-244-radioshack-7530821

Would it not be easier to make one of your own to make sure it fits better?

comicIDIOT wrote:

KermMartian wrote:

Stop double-posting. If you can't edit your posts, delete your old post before you post a new post.

I am too lazy to actually make my own post so instead I quote people and then don't say anything new

Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart.

Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart.

I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<

comicIDIOT wrote:

KermMartian wrote:

Stop double-posting. If you can't edit your posts, delete your old post before you post a new post.

I am too lazy to actually make my own post so instead I quote people and then don't say anything new

Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart.

I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<

Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.

Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart.

I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<

Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Well I assumed that, though if you had all TI-84+ calcs, would it work with both ports, or is the speed difference from each a big problem?

comicIDIOT wrote:

KermMartian wrote:

Stop double-posting. If you can't edit your posts, delete your old post before you post a new post.

I am too lazy to actually make my own post so instead I quote people and then don't say anything new

Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.

That's a 4xAAA case, isn't it? Is it less than 2" wide? Go with the second socket; the first is surface-mount, and I don't think you want to deal with that. The second will be much sturdier, because you screw on the ring on the outside of the case to anchor it.

@Sonlen: It uses the I/O port only, not the USB port. It's not an issue of speed (TI-83+ and TI-84+SE calculator can work together in a CALCnet network) but one of protocol and wiring.

Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart.

I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<

Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Well I assumed that, though if you had all TI-84+ calcs, would it work with both ports, or is the speed difference from each a big problem?

Unfortunately, that won't work for now. Someone (cough KermM cough) refuses to implement USB support for Calcnet2...

Absolutely not, those plugs would be insanely hard to make. Better in my opinion to simply use or cut apart I/O cables. Because you can get unit to unit cables for $5, and these plugs are $3 each before tax, there's no point in not cutting apart I/O cables and getting plugs and some wire for $2.50 per plug, in my opinion. Or if your hub is going to have sockets, you don't even have to cut the cables apart.

I completely didn't think about the parts, that would be the biggest issue there. >.<

Well, luckily it's only a problem for people who want to have 3+ calculator networks. For a two-calculator network, CALCnet works perfectly fine between two calculators simply connected by a normal unit to unit cable.

Well I assumed that, though if you had all TI-84+ calcs, would it work with both ports, or is the speed difference from each a big problem?

Unfortunately, that won't work for now. Someone (cough KermM cough) refuses to implement USB support for Calcnet2...

I don't blame him, I know that it will include a lot more coding to get it to work, and just sticking with the common port is better and more efficient.
Also is this box going to be something you are going to make, test, and show how to make?

comicIDIOT wrote:

KermMartian wrote:

Stop double-posting. If you can't edit your posts, delete your old post before you post a new post.

I am too lazy to actually make my own post so instead I quote people and then don't say anything new

Both would definitely work, but for the sake of looks, I like the slender case better. The only thing to be aware of is that if you want activity lights, you'll need to fit a 4xAA, 4xAAA, or (perhaps) a 9V battery in there as well. 1" inside height should be enough to fit your 2.5mm / 3/32" sockets, though.

That's a 4xAAA case, isn't it? Is it less than 2" wide? Go with the second socket; the first is surface-mount, and I don't think you want to deal with that. The second will be much sturdier, because you screw on the ring on the outside of the case to anchor it.

@Sonlen: It uses the I/O port only, not the USB port. It's not an issue of speed (TI-83+ and TI-84+SE calculator can work together in a CALCnet network) but one of protocol and wiring.

So, I will be attempting to make a hub tomorrow. I've got most of the parts, I just need a PNP transistor, and the cables/plugs. I will get those tomorrow at RadioShack. I also need another graphing calculator to test this with, as I just have one. I might also pick a couple up tomorrow, depending on how cheap I can find them (probably not very. $130 for an 83+SE or something stupid like that...).

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